Liverpool backed to complete Jude Bellingham signing soon after source’s update – Whelan
Noel Whelan has urged Liverpool to wrap up a deal in advance for Jude Bellingham before potential World Cup success spikes interest in the midfielder.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 19-year-old can lead the new crop of youth at Anfield as the club’s “midfield general”.
Football Insider revealed last week (23 July) that Liverpool are making strong progress on the signing of Dortmund star Bellingham and are trying to put in place an agreement for the England international to join in summer 2023.
Naby Keita joined Liverpool in similar circumstances – with his capture officially revealed in August 2017, even though he did not officially complete his Anfield move until 1 July of the following year.
Dortmund will reportedly to listen to bids of no less than £101million for Bellingham and are not willing to part with the former Birmingham ace this summer.
Whelan insisted it would be “smart business” for Liverpool to head off any potential transfer rivals this summer.
“I think they’ve got to get it done before the World Cup and before anyone else gets in there,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They’ve obviously identified him as their next midfield general and someone who can lead this new crop of youth that they’ve brought in.
“When you’ve got your mind set on someone, nothing is going to stop you going in and trying to do that sort of deal – just like we saw with Keita.
“He’s not going to be leaving Dortmund for another year – but Liverpool will be getting that reassurance that their main target is going to be joining the club.
“If they can get it done then it’s really smart business.”
In other news, finance guru claims Liverpool are set to make “landmark” announcement after £80m expenditure.